An area packed with natural capital for sale

A stunning area of Inverness-shire land rich in natural capital has come to the market. Saddle Hill, a 1200-acre (486ha) property comprising open heather moorland and Caledonian pine trees will appeal to investors trying to fulfill environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) responsibilities. Jon Lambert, partner at Goldcrest Land & Forestry Group said: ‘Much of…

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Point of no return?

A recent study of 121 black grouse leks (breeding sites) by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust has shone a light on the parlous state of numbers in Scotland. The black grouse population has now declined to the point where the species is a high conservation concern and action is needed to halt their decline.…

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A taste of conservation with NTS charity gin

Conservationists for the National Trust for Scotland are celebrating 25 years of protecting and restoring the ancient pine forests in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park with the launch of Pinewood Gin. Produced by the conservation charity that cares for Scotland’s national and natural treasures, the gin is created using botanicals from the pinewoods…

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The biggest secrets of the Cairngorms revealed

I defy anyone to look at the front cover of the beautiful The Secret Life of the Cairngorms and not have a wee smile on their face. Illustrated with a stunning selection of Andy Howard’s photographs, the book celebrates the wildlife and landscape of the Cairngorms National Park in all its glory. Anyone who has visited…

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Harsh winters have hit Scotland’s woodland birds

Harsh winter weather is thought to be a factor in a short-term decline in woodland birds between 2017 and 2018. Official statistics published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) track the abundance of Scotland’s terrestrial breeding birds using results from the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey. The latest figures show that while farmland and upland birds remained…

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The final part of our wildlife spotting guide

Kingfisher in winter

We highlight where to find Scotland’s beautiful wildlife in the final part of our feature. We’ve brought you 50 great places to see the nation’s top creatures, from the fast and the furry, to the beautiful and sleek. Click HERE to see part four, HERE to look at part three, HERE to read part two,…

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Optimism that 2019 grouse season will be a success

Scottish estate owners are cautiously optimistic that this year’s grouse season will show an improvement on last year’s wash-out. They say that demand from domestic and international shooters remaining strong. Around 60% of visitors come from England, 10% from within Scotland and 30% from overseas – primarily the USA, Denmark, Belgium, Holland, France and Spain.…

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Finding the positives in a poor grouse season

Scotland’s grouse sector has taken a hit this year due to the poor weather – but that has not dampened enthusiasm for private investment in vital conservation work. The financial impact of the poor season, ending today, 10 December, is very significant – due to widespread cancellations of shooting programmes and reduced trade with local…

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Bronze prize at game and conservation awards

A Scots business was celebrating last night, after taking a prize at the 2018 Purdey Awards for Game and Conservation. At a ceremony held in London gun and rifle maker James Purdey & Sons’ famous Long Room, where the Bronze Award was given to Whitburgh Farms, Midlothian. They have made notable changes to their shoot…

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Winterwatch heads to the Cairngorms for its next series

BBC Two’s Winterwatch is to return to our TV screens – with its next series based in Scotland. Winterwatch will back on BBC Two next year, broadcasting live from a new location in the wildest landscape of the UK – the Cairngorms National Park – which is to be the new, year-round home for The…

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